Newshttp://www.attpac.org/news/
WHAT HAPPENS AT KIDS NIGHT? http://www.attpac.org/news/2018/02/what-happens-at-kids-night-/
Neiman Marcus Kids Night is what it sounds like: a night at the theatre for kids!

First, kids can see the show for free with our buy one, get one deal. When you buy tickets, the Kids Night will be marked as such – and you can add a free ticket to your order when you purchase a ticket for an adult. But a lot happens before the show too…

There are arts and crafts!

You can meet the cast:

And you can meet… other things.

Learn more about the show…

Take a red carpet photo!

Tell us what you think.

And for the parents…

Here’s a video:

Our next Neiman Marcus Kids Night will be March 21 for The 20th Anniversary Tour of Riverdance, and you can click here for tickets.

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center today announced that the online application period for the Moody Fund for the Arts grant process is now open and applications are being accepted at moodyartsfund.org until March 15, 2018.

MFA was created to provide grants to small and emerging Dallas arts groups that are supported by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and have annual budgets of $1 million or less. In 2018, MFA will award $100,000 in grants. In this first year, the maximum grant for each award will not exceed $7,500.

Submissions will be reviewed through a two-tiered panel selection process which will include arts educators, administrators, advocates, philanthropists, a Cultural Affairs Commissioner and the director of the Office of Cultural Affairs. Grants awards will be announced in June 2018. Applicants can find new information on categories and scoring, including a judging rubric on the fund’s website.

MFA Grants may be awarded for:

Commissions of original works and artistic collaborations.

Support for new works, innovative programs and offsetting rent and production costs at Moody Performance Hall and other venues.

Programs, projects and exhibitions that address important issues of cultural equity and community access to the arts.

Programs that create and deliver cultural experiences to all parts of Dallas and the hosting of artist-in-residency programs.

Operating, staff and marketing support for new initiatives.

Support of capacity building.

Other projects deemed important to the vibrancy of the arts in the city.

The Moody Fund for the Arts is a $10 million endowment that is part of a $22 million gift from the Moody Foundation to the arts in Dallas, including a $12 million gift to the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s capital campaign. When fully vested, the endowment will award an estimated $400,000 annually. In recognition of the generosity of the Galveston-based Moody Foundation, the City of Dallas changed the name of Dallas City Performance Hall in the Dallas Arts District to Moody Performance Hall.

A year and a half, which is also how long I’ve lived in Dallas. I came to the Center the very first day I moved here and got to see some old friends, The Quebe Sisters, play in Strauss Square. I hadn’t even started work yet, but it was so wonderful to see some of my favorite music performed in a venue I was about to get to dig into booking.

What’s your favorite show/program/series to work on at the Center and why?

I mostly work with Center Presents shows – the single-night, touring acts. I love that it’s an opportunity to put together the puzzle of artists to bring to Dallas and to the Center, what kind of new projects are out there, and how to connect with a wide range of communities through performing arts.

Speaking of connecting with a wide range of communities through performing arts, you’re an ethnomusicologist. Can you tell us what that is?

Ethnomusicology is basically studying how communities use music and how it fits into their lives- taking an anthropological approach and using music as a lens to learn about a different community. Understanding that all forms of art are valid, dancing in your kitchen or dancing on a stage – it’s not always performer and audience based. Sometimes people claim to not be artists or musicians, but they dance and sing with their families. It’s a way of engaging with art in a way that enriches your life. So that’s influenced my daily thinking and my value system.

You’ve done this in different places around the world; What does someone like you aim to do in a city like Dallas?

We start with giving people an opportunity to experience something they haven’t before, and you can learn something new about a community here just by seeing a performer. But people should participate in art, and see themselves as active participants rather than just part of an audience. I want to break down those walls. It starts with getting different people on stage, so audiences can learn about people they coexist with but don’t often interact with. People can see art from other cultures as valid, bringing a more cosmopolitan and holistic array of experiences – democratizing it and removing some of the exoticism.

We have some shows coming up that are about taking down the walls that exist between genres: Cameron Carpenter combines rock and classical, then there’s Apocalyptica… I like to see how people engage with art that has no boxes.

Who’s your favorite performing artist overall, Center-related or not?

This is a trick question for a programmer. I have too many to pick just one, so I’ll just say that I’ve seen incredible big shows from artists like Beyonce, Dolly Parton, and Anohni, and they were each so powerful. But I love artists like Big Freedia who make you dance all night, or Rhiannon Giddens, whose songs and gorgeous voice make me cry every time.

What’s your favorite venue on our campus?

I love Strauss Square – it’s such a treat to be able to see a killer show under the stars. The Winspear is gorgeous, and the Wyly is a spectacular space, but there’s just something special about being outside at Strauss.

Are you involved or connected to art or the performing arts outside of your work at the Center?

I’ve always played instruments or danced outside of work. Right now I take hip hop dance classes! But I don’t perform, it’s all just for my own enjoyment.

What’s the best thing about living in Dallas?

There’s always something to do, and people here are SO nice! The arts and food scenes are so much fun to explore. I love it here!

This is Dallas, so I have to ask who your favorite sports team is.

Sportball?

Favorite food truck?

Anything with bahn mi!

Finish this sentence: “When I’m not at the Center, you can find me…”

In dance classes or at a concert around town. Or eating at new restaurants!

What can we expect from the Center’s programming in the future?

Short answer: you’re going to see things diversify even more, not just in terms of racial and cultural equity, but different types of art forms, different types of engagement with art. We’ll also start to see more robust seasons where we have more activity than we have before, where there’s always something happening on campus. All of our spaces are being activated in many ways and it’s exciting.

]]>Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:30:39 -0600http://www.attpac.org/news/2018/02/staff-spotlight-whats-an-ethnomusicologist-anyway-/Just Announced: HAIRSPRAYhttp://www.attpac.org/news/2018/02/just-announced-hairspray/
AT&T Performing Arts Center and Dallas Theater Center jointly announced today an unprecedented new collaboration to coproduce the Broadway musical HAIRSPRAY which will be the first title on the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s Broadway Series 2018/2019 season. The smash hit musical comedy HAIRSPRAY will play 12 performances July 7 through July 15, 2018 at the Winspear Opera House in the downtown Dallas Arts District.

HAIRSPRAY will be included in the six-show 2018/2019 Broadway Series package which will be announced on Sunday, March 11, 2018. Visit attpac.org/hairspray for more information and to sign up for e-mail updates.

Dallas Theater Center season subscribers will have the option to add HAIRSPRAY to their season subscription package prior to public on-sale, which will be announced at a later date.

The 2007 movie musical adaptation of HAIRSPRAY is the 10th highest grossing movie musical of all time.

The 2016 live television special HAIRSPRAYLIVE! was watched by more than 9 million viewers and was nominated for seven primetime EMMY Awards.

HAIRSPRAY will be directed by Dallas Theater Center’s Associate Artistic Director Joel Ferrell (Frankenstein, Dreamgirls, Cabaret, The Rocky Horror Show). Local and New York casting of the production will be announced later.

The Broadway musical HAIRSPRAY is based on the New Line Cinema film written and directed by John Waters, orchestrations by Harold Wheeler and arrangements by March Shaiman. Book by Mark O’Donnell and Thomas Meehan and lyrics by Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman. This production will be directed by Joel Ferrell with music direction by Vonda K. Bowling.

“Dallas Theater Center is so excited and pleased by this partnership as it will be beneficial to both organizations and our audiences,” said Jeff Woodward, DTC’s managing director. “HAIRSPRAY is a terrific, funny and timely American musical and is the perfect first venture for what we hope will be an annual collaboration.”

“This is an exciting and important step for us,” said Doug Curtis, president and CEO of AT&T Performing Arts Center. “This collaboration allows us to deepen and broaden the programming we do on our campus for North Texans to enjoy. Coming on the heels of Dallas Theater Center’s recent Tony Award for Best Regional Theatre, we couldn’t be more thrilled and proud to present HAIRSPRAY with them on our 2018/2019 Broadway season.”

The production is generously underwritten by Thompson & Knight Foundation, funded by the partners of Thompson & Knight, LLP.

About HAIRSPRAY
The original Broadway production of HAIRSPRAY ran for 2,642 performances from August 2002 to January 2009 making it the 22nd longest running show in Broadway history. HAIRSPRAY won eight 2013 TONY Awards including Best Musical and Best Original Score. National tours have been seen by more than 2 million people across North America.

Synopsis

You can’t stop the beat in this big and bold musical about one girl’s inspiring dream to dance.

The 1950s are out, and change is in the air! Hairspray, winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, is a family-friendly musical, piled bouffant-high with laughter, romance and deliriously tuneful songs.

It’s 1962 in Baltimore, and the lovable plus-size teen, Tracy Turnblad, has only one desire – to dance on the popular “Corny Collins Show.” When her dream comes true, Tracy is transformed from social outcast to sudden star. She must use her newfound power to dethrone the reigning Teen Queen, win the affections of heartthrob, Link Larkin, and integrate a TV network… all without denting her ‘do!

]]>Mon, 19 Feb 2018 13:42:20 -0600http://www.attpac.org/news/2018/02/just-announced-hairspray/MOODY FUND FOR THE ARTS WEBSITE NOW LIVE http://www.attpac.org/news/2018/01/moody-fund-for-the-arts-website-now-live-/
Applications Will Be Accepted Starting 2/20; Two Info Meetings Scheduled for This Week

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center today announced that the Moody Fund for the Arts website, moodyartsfund.org, is now live and contains information about the fund and the grant application process. Applications will be accepted online beginning February 20, 2018 until March 15, 2018.

Two public meetings will be held next week to discuss eligibility, timeline, and the application and review process. The meetings will include a presentation, Q&A, handouts, and light refreshments. Please RSVP by visiting TicketDFW.com.

MFA was created to provide grants to small and emerging Dallas arts groups that are supported by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and have annual budgets of $1 million or less. In 2018, MFA will award $100,000 in grants. In this first year, the maximum grant for each award will not exceed $7,500.

Submissions will be reviewed through a two-tiered panel selection process which will include arts educators, managers, advocates, philanthropists, a Cultural Affairs Commissioner and the director of the Office of Cultural Affairs. Grants will be awarded in June 2018.

Grants may be awarded for:

Commissions of original works and artistic collaborations.

Support for new works, innovative programs and offsetting rent and production costs at Moody Performance Hall.

Programs, projects and exhibitions that address important issues of cultural equity and community access to the arts.

Programs that create and deliver cultural experiences to all parts of Dallas.

Operating, staff and marketing support for new initiatives.

Support of production costs and capacity building.

Hosting artist-in-residency programs.

Other projects deemed important to the vibrancy of the arts in the city.

Grants may not be used for:

Fundraising programs or events.

Political campaigns or lobbying efforts.

Nonpublic performances.

Direct support, including travel funds, for individuals or families.

Religious or faith-based organizations, unless the program does not promote a specific religion or faith and is not restricted to populations of specific religions or faiths.

The Moody Fund for the Arts is a $10 million endowment that is part of a $22 million gift from the Moody Foundation to the arts in Dallas, including a $12 million gift to the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s capital campaign. When fully vested, the endowment is expected to award about $400,000 annually. In recognition of the generosity of the Galveston-based Moody Foundation, the City of Dallas changed the name of Dallas City Performance Hall in the Dallas Arts District to Moody Performance Hall.

Program Provides Arts District Performance Space for Small and Emerging Dallas Arts Groups and Artists

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center has started its new online submission process for the Elevator Project 2018/2019 season. Applications will be accepted beginning today through Wednesday, January 31, 2018 online here. The Elevator Project is a program that presents small, emerging and/or culturally specific Dallas-based arts groups and artists in performance space on the Center’s campus in the Dallas Arts District. Applications can be submitted starting today at attpac.org/elevatorprojectapply.

Most works are performed in Hamon Hall, a flexible performance space in the Winspear Opera House, or the Studio Theatre, a black box space on the sixth floor of the Wyly Theatre. However, artists are encouraged to consider creating work for other spaces on the Center’s campus such as Sammons Park, the donor reflecting pool, Sammons Community Stage, spaces within Strauss Square, the Brierley Esplanade in front of the Wyly Theatre and more. Center support includes venue management, operations, ticketing and promotion. Each annual season is now curated through a multi-level review and approval process that includes panels of arts professionals, educators, advocates, the Center and the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.

Submissions:

Participating artists and organizations must be based in the city of Dallas.

Priority will be given to submissions:
- From arts groups and artists that help create a diverse season for Elevator Project.
- For new, original and experimental work.
- For works unique to the performance space.
- For works designed to engage diverse audiences and geographic communities.
- From artists and groups without an official performance venue or home.

Review and Selection:

Submissions will first be reviewed by the Elevator Project Advisory Panel, a group of 5 panelists jointly chosen by the Center and the Office of Cultural Affairs.
- These panelists may include arts professionals from Dallas or other cities, arts educators and advocates.
- The names of the panelists will remain confidential until the selections are announced.
- No artist/group with a submission, or with an immediate family member or partner with a submission, can participate on the Advisory Panel.

The panelists will select and prioritize submissions.

The recommendations will then be reviewed by the Center, the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Chair of the Cultural Affairs Commission. They will make the final selections.

Center staff will take those recommendations and begin discussions with the artists/groups to establish the fee paid for each performance and secure the space and calendar.

Applicants who have participated in two consecutive seasons must take a year off before applying again.

Questions or requests for the technical specs for Elevator Project venues can be e-mailed to ElevatorProject@attpac.org.

]]>Tue, 02 Jan 2018 13:53:01 -0600http://www.attpac.org/news/2018/01/elevator-project-submission-info-for-20182019-season/BEST OF 2017: STAFF PICKS http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/12/best-of-2017-staff-picks-/
What an incredible year at the AT&T Performing Arts Center! From marvelous Broadway shows to jaw-dropping concerts, enlightening speakers to community-minded events – we hosted hundreds of performances in 2017. Below are a few of our staff’s personal highlights.

“As a Shakespeare nerd, theatre geek, and lover of goofy humor, it doesn’t get much better than Something Rotten! for me. Admittedly, a colleague and I were shushed by a nearby patron for laughing too hard during this show. It couldn’t be helped though. That medley at the end is pure comic gold.” – Autumn Garrison, Associate Director of Education & Community Engagement

“Neil Gaiman was one of my faves. I liked how it seemed like he was just making it up as he went along, but it was never boring or awkward. You could feel everyone’s attention aimed right at him. It felt like being in a theatre on Star Wars opening night, but it was just one guy on a stage telling us stories.”– Erik Bowers, Box Office ManagerNeil Gaiman

“Lila Downs at Strauss Square was the best concert of 2017. Strauss Square is a beautiful venue and was the perfect space for Lila. It was one of those perfect, Texas autumn nights and Ms. Downs was holding court. The show was vibrant, soulful, and at times it brought tears to the audiences’ eyes. Her powerful voice carried across the venue while Latin American artwork displayed on the screen behind her. At the end of her performance, everyone was standing out of their seats shouting praise and adoration at Lila Downs.” – Chris McDonald, Marketing ManagerLila Downs

“My highlight of 2017 was definitely our first-ever Neiman Marcus Kids Night on Broadway during Finding Neverland! I loved seeing the lobby filled with excited children and their families. I will never forget that sold-out performance hall with all the kids in their Peter Pan hats and with their Tinkerbell wands. The staff really came together to create an unforgettable experience for this audience. I was so proud to be part of it. It was my favorite day of work – ever.”– Kathryn Cox, Group Sales ManagerKids Night On Broadway

“Something Rotten! really made my year. I didn’t know much about the show, only that is was supposed to be about the making of the very first musical and that it was a comedy. The show blew me away! I had never laughed so much during a show! The music, costumes, acting and writing went way beyond my expectations!”– Jessica Smith, Client Services Manager

“Neil Gaiman – Hearing him read his stories live was incredible! Click-Clack the Rattlebag will forever be one of my favorite spooky stories.” – Natasha Porzikova, Social Media Coordinator

]]>Fri, 29 Dec 2017 14:17:12 -0600http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/12/best-of-2017-staff-picks-/MOODY FUND FOR THE ARTS GRANT APPLICATION DATES ANNOUNCEDhttp://www.attpac.org/news/2017/12/moody-fund-for-the-arts-grant-application-dates-announced/
$100K in Grants Will Be Awarded to Small Dallas Arts Groups in First Year

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center today announced that applications for the first year of grants awarded by the Moody Fund for the Arts (MFA) will be accepted online beginning February 20, 2018 until March 15, 2018. Two public informational meetings are scheduled for January.

MFA was created to provide grants to small and emerging Dallas arts groups that are supported by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs and have annual budgets of $1 million or less. In 2018, MFA will award $100,000 in grants. The maximum grant request in the first year cannot exceed $7,500.

Grants may be awarded for:

Commissions of original works and artistic collaborations.

Support for new works, innovative programs and offsetting rent and production costs at Moody Performance Hall.

Programs, projects and exhibitions that address important issues of cultural equity and community access to the arts.

Programs that create and deliver cultural experiences to all parts of Dallas.

Operating, staff and marketing support for new initiatives.

Support of production costs and capacity building.

Hosting artist-in-residency programs.

Other projects deemed important to the vibrancy of the arts in the city.

Grants may not be used for:

Fundraising programs or events.

Political campaigns or lobbying efforts.

Nonpublic performances.

Direct support, including travel funds, for individuals or families.

Religious or faith-based organizations, unless the program does not promote a specific religion or faith and is not restricted to populations of specific religions or faiths.

Submissions will be reviewed through a two-tiered panel selection process which will include arts educators, managers, advocates, philanthropists, a Cultural Affairs Commissioner and the director of the Office of Cultural Affairs. Grants will be awarded in June 2018. A new website, which will include the online application process, is under construction and will be announced shortly.

Two public meetings will be held to discuss eligibility, timeline, and the application and review process. The meetings will include a presentation, Q&A, handouts, and light refreshments. Please RSVP by visiting TicketDFW.com.

The Moody Fund for the Arts is a $10 million endowment that is part of a $22 million gift from the Moody Foundation to the arts in Dallas, including a $12 million gift to the AT&T Performing Arts Center’s capital campaign. When fully vested, the endowment is expected to award about $400,000 annually. In recognition of the generosity of the Galveston-based Moody Foundation, the City of Dallas changed the name of Dallas City Performance Hall to Moody Performance Hall in May 2017.

Program Provides Arts District Performance Space for Small and Emerging Dallas Arts Groups and Artists

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center today announced that submissions for the Elevator Project 2018/2019 season will be accepted beginning Tuesday, January 2, 2018 and through Wednesday, January 31, 2018. The Elevator Project is a program that presents small, emerging and/or culturally specific Dallas-based arts groups and artists in performance space on the Center’s campus in the Dallas Arts District. Additionally, the submission process will now be completely online.

“The Elevator Project helps support and showcase some of the brightest performers and performances being created in Dallas,” said David Denson, director of programming at the AT&T Performing Arts Center and creator of the Elevator Project. “Our local artists are responsible for work that is on par with some of the best performances from around the world and the goal of the Elevator Project is to raise awareness and celebrate these homegrown performers with our audiences at the Center, and in the Arts District.”

Chadi El-Khoury, Executive Director of Dark Circles Contemporary Dance said Elevator Project provided critical resources and support that allowed them to launch important new work here at home.

“Our U.S. premiere of Big Bad Wolf and world premiere of Les Fairies brought together new and existing audiences, and culminated in two packed performances at over 80% capacity, one sold out performance at 115% capacity, and an added fourth performance to accommodate ticket demand,” said El-Khoury. “None of this would have been possible without the Elevator Project.”

Most works are performed in Hamon Hall, a flexible performance space in the Winspear Opera House, or the Studio Theatre, a black box space on the sixth floor of the Wyly Theatre. However, artists are encouraged to consider creating work for other spaces on the Center’s campus such as Sammons Park, the donor reflecting pool, Sammons Community Stage, spaces within Strauss Square, the Brierley Esplanade in front of the Wyly Theatre and more. Center support includes venue management, operations, ticketing and promotion. Each annual season is now curated through a multi-level review and approval process that includes panels of arts professionals, educators, advocates, the Center and the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.

Submissions:

Participating artists and organizations must be based in the city of Dallas.

January 2 – 31, 2018: Applications will be accepted at attpac.org/elevatorproject.

Priority will be given to submissions:
- From arts groups and artists that help create a diverse season for Elevator Project.
- For new, original and experimental work.
- For works unique to the performance space.
- For works designed to engage diverse audiences and geographic communities.
- From artists and groups without an official performance venue or home.

Review and Selection:

Submissions will first be reviewed by the Elevator Project Advisory Panel, a group of 3-5 panelists jointly chosen by the Center and the Office of Cultural Affairs.
- These panelists may include arts professionals from Dallas or other cities, arts educators and advocates.
- The names of the panelists will remain confidential until the selections are announced.
- No artist/group with a submission, or with an immediate family member or partner with a submission, can participate on the Advisory Panel.

The panelists will select and prioritize submissions.

The recommendations will then be reviewed by the Center, the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Chair of the Cultural Affairs Commission. They will make the final selections.

Center staff will take those recommendations and begin discussions with the artists/groups to establish the fee paid for each performance and secure the space and calendar.

Applicants who have participated in two consecutive seasons must take a year off before applying again.

Questions or requests for the technical specs for Elevator Project venues can be e-mailed to ElevatorProject@attpac.org.

Whether you know it yet or not, The Whispers, The Chi-Lites, and The Delfonics are responsible for some of your favorite songs. And all three groups will share a stage at 70’s Soul Jam on Saturday, November 25. That’s a big deal! But don’t just take our word for it. Listen to Beyoncé. And Missy Elliot. And Will Smith and Kylie Minogue and…

“Crazy In Love” by Beyoncé

Sampled from “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So)” by The Chi-Lites

OK this one you might already know about. It doesn’t get more ubiquitous than this #1 hit by Beyoncé featuring Jay-Z. And no offense to Queen Bey and Hova, but the real stars of this track are the horns from The Chi-Lites’ 1970 song “Are You My Woman? (Tell Me So).”

Also in 2003, Jay-Z sampled The Chi-Lites’ “That’s How Long” in his song “December 4th” from The Black Album.

“Miami” by Will Smith

Sampled from “And the Beat Goes On” by The Whispers

Unless you completely avoided all radios in 1999, chances are you’re familiar with “Miami” by Will Smith. To the youth of the ‘90s, Smith’s music seemed like the sound of the approaching New Millennium (excuse me, “Willennium”). But people who remember 1980 instantly recognized the bass line, hand claps and synths from The Whispers’ “And the Beat Goes On.”

“Sock It 2 Me” by Missy Elliott feat. Da Brat

Sampled from “Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love)” by The Delfonics

This 1997 hit from Elliott’s debut studio album takes us back to 1968 with samples of “Ready Or Not Here I Come (Can’t Hide From Love)” by The Delfonics. And the sample is pretty true to the original: she didn’t even flip it or reverse it.

And you might recognize some of The Delfonics’ lyrics from “Ready Or Not” by the Fugees.

“Bill Murray” by Phantogram

Sampled from “The Coldest Days of My Life” by The Chi-Lites

Look, we may never know why Phantogram sampled “The Coldest Days of My Life” by The Chi-Lites and called it “Bill Murray” but it’s hauntingly beautiful, OK?

“Look My Way” by Kylie Minogue

Sampled from “Rock Steady” by The Whispers

“Rock Steady” by The Whispers was released in 1987 then used by Kylie Minogue on her debut album Kylie in 1988, before she was the dancefloor siren we know today. You probably know “Rock Steady” as it was produced by L.A. Reid and Babyface, and reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100.

“Playa Hater” by The Notorious B.I.G.

Sampled from “Hey! Love” by The Delfonics

As Biggie tells us on the 1997 track, he’s taking us “back to the classics” by sampling The Delfonics’ 1972 song “Hey! Love.”

]]>Wed, 08 Nov 2017 16:55:45 -0600http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/11/songs-you-probably-didnt-know-were-samples/MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD ABOUT THE ARTS IN DALLAS http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/09/make-your-voice-heard-about-the-arts-in-dallas-/
The City Is Creating a New Cultural Plan and Needs to Hear From You

Want more arts in your community? Where do you go to enjoy culture in Dallas? What makes you proud of your city?

The City of Dallas’ Office of Cultural Affairs is embarking on a year-long process to create the Dallas Cultural Plan—the first since 2002—which will analyze the city’s cultural priorities, determine how Dallas residents experience the arts and culture in their daily lives, and strategically guide how the City supports these activities throughout Dallas.

Dallas already has an amazing arts scene and community – it has grown tremendously with something to do, see, and experience artistically every day. Now, let’s keep arts and culture growing across the city.

There are four opportunities to show up in person:

Monday, Sept. 25, 6 p.m. at the Dallas Museum of Art

Tuesday, Sept. 26, 6 p.m. at the Dallas Children’s Theater

Thursday, Sept. 28, 6 p.m. at the at the Walnut Hill Recreation Center

Saturday, Sept, 30, 10 a.m. at Red Bird Mall

Learn about the Dallas Cultural Plan process; share your thoughts, hopes and dreams for Dallas’ cultural future; and enjoy performances. All of the events will have free parking. RSVP here.

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center today announced the fall season of Local Motion, free outdoor exercise classes in the Dallas Arts District, which will include Broadway, Ballet and Bollywood dance fitness. This fall, start your weekends with an exhilarating outdoor workout in the beautiful Dallas Arts District. Local Motion is presented by Topo Chico.

Ballet Burn is back by popular demand for the Saturdays in September, incorporating ballet technique, yoga, functional movement, and dynamic cardio tracks. New to Local Motion is BollyX, a Bollywood-inspired dance-fitness program that combines dynamic choreography with the hottest music from around the world. The finale of this semester will be Broadway Fitness, combining cardio with your favorite musicals.

The fall 2017 semester of Local Motion Presented by Topo Chico will begin Saturday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m. outside the Winspear Opera House. This popular series of free fitness classes takes place in Sammons Park on Saturday mornings during spring and fall. Local Motion is always led by professional instructors and are a fun, healthy way to get fit. No matter what your style or speed, come join your neighbors from all across North Texas as we use the arts to improve our physical health. Classes are free and open to the public.

Ballet Burn: On September 9, 16, 23 and 30, get ready to sweat through an authentic ballet-based experience for any body type and fitness level. Bring your yoga mat and a bottle of water!

On October 7, 14, 21 and 28, get moving and motivated with BollyX! At the very core of a BollyX workout is the inspiration it draws from the music and dance of Bollywood, the film industry of India. This class ensures a powerful total body dance workout for all.

Practice your jazz hands with Broadway Fitness on November 4, 11 and 18. Get your heart pumping with choreographed routines set to your favorite Broadway songs. Fusing cardio and musical theatre, Broadway Fitness will tap into your inner dancer while working up a sweat.

Free parking is available at the Winspear Opera House in Lexus Red Parking.

If inclement weather is expected during the appointed Local Motion time, the class will be canceled 24 hours prior. The Center apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause.

Zine: a self-published, small-circulation pulpy magazine produced for expression, not profit.

“Annual Report” doesn’t sound fun, does it? For our annual Report to the Community we created a zine to show what the Center is, what we’ve been up to and where we’re headed. There’s the usual economic impact, revenues and expenses, but this zine also answers some burning questions like:

What did Jay Leno and Weird Al have to say about the Winspear Opera House? (p. 13)

Why were we all drinking whiskey in a church in Deep Ellum? (p. 27)

Who did we coax out of semiretirement and convince to perform outside of NYC for the first time in 15 years? (p. 34)

How many tourists does the Center draw to Dallas each year? Hint: it’s like six SMUs. (p. 17)

and

Colt & the Old 45s

Harvey evacuees currently staying in the City-operated emergency shelters are being invited to a pair of shows being performed at the AT&T Performing Arts Center in the Dallas Arts District.

TITAS Presents and the Center are making up to 300 tickets available for evacuees for Thursday night’s presentation of MOMIX, one of the world’s most exciting dance companies. This family-friendly performance begins at 8:00 p.m. in the Winspear Opera House. TITAS Presents and the Center are providing the complimentary tickets and parking for the evacuees.

“During this disaster everyone needs to come together, as a community, to help each other,” said Charles Santos, Executive Director/Artistic Director of TITAS Presents. “We are honored to open our doors and MOMIX’s amazing performance to those displaced by Hurricane Harvey. What we do together, truly does make a difference.”

On Saturday, September 2, the rock band Colt & the Old 45s, a Dallas favorite, is making tickets available for its 7:30 p.m. performance in the Wyly Theatre. The Center is providing the evacuees with complimentary parking for that performance as well.

The evacuees will be provided vouchers at the four official City shelter locations in Dallas: the Kay Baily Hutchison Convention Center, Samuell Grand Recreation Center, Tommie Allen Recreation Center and Walnut Hill Recreation Center. The vouchers are both a parking pass and a ticket voucher.

Vouchers will be distributed by shelter staff to the evacuees at those shelters. Tickets, which are redeemed with the vouchers at Will Call at the venues, are available on a first come, first served basis. The vouchers to do not guarantee a parking space and/or show ticket so early arrival is being encouraged. The Center will continue to provide both until space is no longer available.

“As everyone pitches in to do what they can, we at the Center hope to provide some much-needed moments of entertainment and solace through the arts,” said Doug Curtis, president and CEO of AT&T Performing Arts Center. “We’re thankful for this opportunity to open our doors to fellow Texans who have been displaced.”

The complimentary performances at the Center are among several evacuee outreach efforts being announced by arts and cultural organizations in the Dallas Arts District.

MOMIX: Opus Cactus

If Salvador Dali and Leonardo da Vinci were inspired by National Geographic you’d get Opus Cactus, Moses Pendleton’s amazing evening-length work about the desert world. With their signature dance illusion style, MOMIX explores the mysterious creatures and cacti of the desert. Surreal, wondrous and massively creative, there’s nothing like the MOMIX performance experience. If you’ve always wondered about dance, MOMIX is the ticket. Grab your family, friends and BFF – this is the show to see!

Colt and the Old 45s

COLTANDTHEOLD 45s: Remember when music was REAL? You know, when there was no such thing as “virtual” instruments and bands didn’t use tracks! Remember listening to your favorite songs on your transistor radio and playing records on your hi-fi? Maybe you remember 8-tracks and cassettes. Well, Colt and the Old 45s brings that great music from the ‘60s and ‘70s back to life. Songs from such artists as Roy Orbison, The Righteous Brothers, The Four Seasons, Martha and the Vandellas, Dion, Aretha Franklin, Chicago, Eagles, Joe Cocker, Van Morrison, Tina Turner and many more. Even some of the early rock ‘n’ roll tunes of the late ‘50s from Jerry Lee Lewis, The Big Bopper and The Diamonds.

“Our hearts go out to all the victims of Harvey, and we hope, that in some small way, we can bring a little bit of joy into the lives of those enduring this tragedy,” said Bryan Stout of Colt and the Old 45s. “We welcome with open arms those unfortunate victims who would like to, and can, attend our concert.”

]]>Thu, 31 Aug 2017 09:47:23 -0500http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/08/harvey-evacuees-invited-to-two-shows-at-center/DALLAS BLACK DANCE THEATRE ANNOUNCES NEW SEASON http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/08/dallas-black-dance-theatre-announces-new-season-/
Dallas Black Dance Theatre launches its 41st home season under the creative helm of new Artistic Director Bridget L. Moore with two world premieres. Moore has developed the 2017-2018 season that takes the audience from avant-garde to classical contemporary and all points in-between. New works feature DBDT in a stage musical project in tribute to Donny Hathaway and DBDT: Encore! in a Japanese heritage dance performance.

DBDT kicks off the season with the 12th Annual Festival of DanceAfrica at the Moody Performance Hall (formerly Dallas City Performance Hall), 2520 Flora Street and continues with home performances at the Dee & Charles Wyly Theatre, 2400 Flora Street in the Dallas Arts District.

DBDT and DBDT: Encore! unite in the Director’s Choice series November 3-5, 2017 to create the energy of a storm front in Andy Noble’s Tower. The athletic masterpiece is complete with the experiences of fog, thunder and rain. Bridget L. Moore delivers her award-winning choreographic talents to the season opener expanding the audience favorite duet Uncharted Territory into the world premiere of a full company version.

The Cultural Awareness series February 16-18, 2018, embraces and celebrates cultures. Dance, poetry and a brass band are used to reflect the 12-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina in Displaced, Yet/Rebirth. Michelle N. Gibson, the choreographer who survived the hurricane, weaves movement and traditions of the rich New Orleans culture she calls home. Complexions Artistic Director Dwight Rhoden set the dynamic and complex Testament to traditional spirituals like “The Lord’s Prayer” and “His Eye is on the Sparrow.”

The Spring Celebration series May 18-20, 2018 is driven by the music of jazz legends who dominated the top of the music charts in the 40’s, 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Moore and Southwest Soul Circuit musician Kevin Hamilton collaborate forming a stage musical project with a live band in the world premiere of Mr. Soul: An Ode to Donny Hathaway. Choreographer Darrell Grand Moultrie uses a rousing score of hits by Sammy Davis Jr. in Simply Sammy to pair famed Tap dancer Marshall Davis Jr. and DBDT dancers in an electrifying, theatrical experience. Dark Circles Dance Company of Dallas is the featured guest artist.

This year’s DanceAfrica Festival and Performances October 6-7, 2017 will be in tribute to National DanceAfrica Founder Dr. Charles “Baba Chuck” Davis with his favorite mantra “Peace, Love, Respect for Everybody.” Featured guest artist is Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble of Dallas.

Other performances include the Rising Excellence series April 6-7, 2018, which features the new work of Japanese choreographer Takehiro “Take” Ueyama. Kizuna is a sensitive contrast yet compelling work blending the powerful athleticism of DBDT: Encore! with the delicate movements of Japanese heritage. Encore! will also dance Chasing Shadows, by Jennifer Archibald, the first female resident choreographer in the 40-year history of the Cincinnati Ballet. Dancing Beyond Borders features both DBDT and DBDT: Encore! in performances in Richardson and Fort Worth during March 2018.

Dallas Black Dance Theatre returns to New York City for a seventh season April 20-21, 2018 at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. Audience favorite Tribute by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Rehearsal Director Matthew Rushing will be featured.

“These are exciting times as we transition into a territory of new beginnings,” said new DBDT Artistic Director Bridget L. Moore. “I have contemplated the significance of building on the foundation of the organization and the legacy of Founder, Ms. Ann Williams. The 2017-2018 programs are filled with generations of dynamic choreographers and guest artists who will take us on a journey of Uncharted Territory.”

Save when you buy season tickets. Group season tickets allow groups of at least 10 people to book multiple performances and receive a 30% discount. For group season subscriptions and group tickets sales call 214-871-2390. Individual subscriber benefits include up to a 15 percent discount on ticket prices. Ticket prices range from $22-$58. Single tickets go on sale Sept. 1.

]]>Fri, 25 Aug 2017 16:45:21 -0500http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/08/dallas-black-dance-theatre-announces-new-season-/PNC & CENTER ANNOUNCE NEW SPONSORSHIP http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/08/pnc-and-center-announce-new-sponsorship-/
The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center today announced a new sponsorship with PNC. This sponsorship includes the rebuilding and renaming of the Center’s Members Lounge, and is PNC’s first major arts sponsorship in the DFW area.

“Having partners like PNC is critical to achieving the mission of the Center, and providing us with the resources to serve our community,” said Doug Curtis, president and CEO of AT&T Performing Arts Center. “This sponsorship will help us expand our community engagement and education programs, which provide thousands of students and families with access to the arts each year.”

“AT&T Performing Arts Center is one of the great cultural resources for this city,” said Randy Wilhoit, PNC regional president for Dallas – Ft. Worth. “At PNC, we recognize that access to quality arts experiences enriches lives and builds stronger and more vibrant communities, which ultimately helps drive business and economic development.”

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings applauded the sponsorship. He launched the Business/Arts initiative in 2012 and has long been a champion of partnerships between the business community and arts organizations.

“Dallas has a vibrant corporate community and a thriving arts community,” said Mayor Rawlings. “I’ve always felt, when you put the two of them together, incredible things can happen for our great city.”

The rebranding of the Members Lounge in the Winspear Opera House will be unveiled at an event before the Lyle Lovett concert on August 28. Details will be announced later this month.

PNC Bank is a member The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www.pnc.com.

The nonprofit AT&T Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce the 2017/2018 ELEVATORPROJECT season, featuring the work of small and emerging arts groups performing on the Center’s campus in the Dallas Arts District. The Elevator Project’s new season will feature productions from eight Dallas-based performing arts companies.

“This is a substantial sampling that arts audiences can really get excited about,” said Doug Curtis, president and CEO of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. “The new season includes a wide range of genres, giving audiences a unique chance to see some of the most innovative work from the freshest talent in Dallas.”

2017/2018 Elevator Project will feature weekend and multi-week engagements from eight of Dallas’ smaller and emerging companies beginning in September 2017 with Masquerade: Opera Cabaret presented by American Baroque Opera Company. The Elevator Project continues with Big Bad Wolf and Les Fairies presented by Dark Circles Contemporary Dance in October. February 2018 begins with We’re Gonna Die produced and directed by Jake Nice. March and April bring Guinea Fare: Her Story, Her Ipseity presented by Bandan Koro African Drum & Dance Ensemble and ELEMENTAL: Nature’s Rhapsody, a multi-genre work directed by Adam Adolfo. May presentations include The Freedmans from Soul Rep Theatre Company and The Alexa Dialogues presented by Therefore Art & Performance Group. The final production, Babel from Cry Havoc Theater Company, is presented in July 2018.

Three of the productions will be staged in the Studio Theatre located on the 6th floor of the Wyly Theatre, four productions in Hamon Hall at the Winspear Opera House and one production staged on the donor reflecting pool in Sammons Park on the campus of the AT&T Performing Arts Center. All shows are $25 general admission.

“It’s important that there’s a place in the Arts District where artists can take risks, premier work and find new audiences,” said David Denson, the Center’s director of programming and the creator of Elevator Project. “There’s also a hunger from Dallas audiences to discover these groups and test drive their work. We think the Center can help provide that platform.”

This is the third season of the Elevator Project, which started in 2014 to provide much-needed performance space in the Arts District for small and emerging Dallas-based performing arts groups. The Center presents this innovative series with support from the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs.

The 2017/2018 Elevator Project is the first time a season has been curated by a five-person panel of arts professionals and advocates. From an April call-for-entries from Dallas-based artists and arts groups, 41 proposals were submitted. Some of the guiding criteria included placing an emphasis on new works; diverse genres, artists and subject matter; unusual use of performance space; supporting groups without a home; and more.

Individual tickets for each production are on sale now. General admission tickets for each show are $25 each. With the purchase of five or more shows, the ticket price is $20 for each show. With the purchase of seven shows, for $140, the eighth show is FREE, representing a total savings of $60. Handling fees are additional. Purchasers of five or more shows may also purchase a discounted parking option for only $5 per show.

Fall concert season is one of the best times of the year and Strauss Square is hosting an eclectic lineup of artists that will keep audiences smiling throughout the end of the year. Located right next to the Winspear Opera House, Strauss Square is truly one of the crown jewels of Dallas and an incredible place to catch a show. A cool Texas autumn evening under the stars catching world-renown performers is a setting that Strauss Square will be bringing you this fall. Let’s take a look at who’s coming to Strauss!

ABBA The Concert – August 19

So technically this concert is in the late summer, but it will still be an incredible show! Since forming in 1996, ABBA The Concert has positioned themselves as the best tribute to ABBA in the world. With more than 20 national (and a few international) tours under their bell bottoms, ABBA The Concert has perfected their ABBA-esque performance and sound. So if you’re a fan of the evergreen pop melodies that ABBA brought us in the 70s, then take a chance on the group that critics say “is the closest thing to ABBA you’ll ever get.”

TajMo – September 20

TAJMO is the new collaboration from blues legends Taj Mahal & Keb’ Mo’. The pair merged their two distinctive voices, guitar styles, and personalities to create vibrant blues that’s firmly rooted in tradition and still explores the good-time elements of the blues. Their debut album was released earlier this year and received rave reviews.

“…a milestone event, emphasizing the vitality and relevance of the blues.”All About Jazz

Take Me To The River Live – October 1

Take Me To The River Live will feature performances from Grammy winners William Bell, Bobby Rush, and Charlie Musselwhite. Based on the documentary film of the same name, TMTTR Live will be one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities to see these legends share the same stage. William Bell is one of the OG soul-singers, gaining recognition when he wrote the blues standard “Born Under A Bad Sign” back in 1967. His voice is as good as ever, evoking Sharon Jones & Charles Bradley vibes.

At 83, Bobby Rush won his first ever Grammy Award in the Best Traditional Blues category for his album Porcupine Meat. With the voice and harp skills of someone half his age, Rush proves that he still has that Southern charm.

When you’re talking about great blues harmonica players, you have to mention Charlie Musselwhite. With more than 30 albums to his credit, Musselwhite show little signs of slowing down.

Lila Downs – October 6

For two decades, Lila Downs has traveled the world reinterpreting the roots of music, from blues, jazz, and soul to cumbia. One of Mexico’s most successful artists, Downs’ 2015 release Balas y Chocolate earned Downs her fourth Latin Grammy. Her three-octave vocal range shines in songs whether they be sung in English or Spanish.

“Ms. Downs has multiple voices, from an airborne near-falsetto down to a forthright alto and a sultry, emotive contralto.”The New York Times

“The Anglo-American pop world has no equivalent to Lila Downs.”The Guardian

Triplets of Belleville Cine-Concert– October 12

Oscar-nominated film The Triplets Of Belleville, captured the imagination of audiences across the world and remains one of the most bizarre and enchanting animated films ever made. The beloved film is screened as composer Benoit Charest leads the eight-piece Le Terrible Orchestre de Belleville in a live performance of his original score for the film.

Herbie Hancock – October 13

One of the most celebrated living jazz musicians, Herbie Hancock has won 14 Grammy and recorded more than 40 albums, over his career that spans five decades. Once a member of the Miles Davis Quintet, Hancock helped redefine the role of jazz. In 2016, Herbie Hancock was rewarded with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement honoring his contributions to music.

“Herbie Hancock is arguably the most influential practitioner of modern jazz piano.”NPR

Crosscurrents: Zakir Hussain and Dave Holland – October 25

Zakir Hussain is appreciated as a classical table virtuoso of the highest order. His brilliant performances have not only established him as a national treasure in his home country of India, but also gained him worldwide fame. Hussain’s latest collaboration is with legendary bass player Dave Holland whom NPR refers to as “a jazz bassist’s bassist”. This collaboration pays tribute to pioneering musicians and composers on opposite sides of the world.

]]>Thu, 15 Jun 2017 15:50:06 -0500http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/06/announcing-strauss-square-fall-concert-calendar/YOUR GUIDE TO THE TONY AWARDS http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/06/your-guide-to-the-tony-awards/
Broadway’s biggest night, the annual Tony Awards, is coming up this Sunday! Whether you want to meet up with other theatre fanatics, plan a soiree at your house, or watch alone without any distractions – we’ve got you covered.

We’re hosting a watch party! The Center and TheaterJones are teaming up to bring you Dallas’ best Tony Awards Watch Party at the Alamo Drafthouse in Richardson. See the big show on the big screen with other Broadway super-fans. There will be themed drink & food specials, trivia, Broadway Bingo, and plenty of prize giveaways. RSVP here >>

Watch at home: The Tonys will be broadcast live from Radio City Music Hall in New York City right into your home starting at 7:00 p.m. CT on CBS 11. Fun fact: The Center is the local presenter of the broadcast and you might see us during the commercial breaks.

Dallas Theater Center is a winner this year! That’s right, your very own DTC won the 2017 Regional Theatre Tony Award, so you already have cause to celebrate.

Here’s what I’ve heard around the offices at the AT&T Performing Arts Center:

“My hot sports opinion is that Come From Away will surprise and win Best New Musical.” – Kathryn, Group Sales Manager

“I hope Come From Away wins Best Musical, and I’m looking forward to seeing Kevin Spacey as the host!” –Becca, Education and Community Engagement Coordinator

The Tony Awards are presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing.

]]>Thu, 01 Jun 2017 10:42:48 -0500http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/06/your-guide-to-the-tony-awards/BE AN ARTS ADVOCATE http://www.attpac.org/news/2017/06/be-an-arts-advocate/
We all know that art educates, entertains and inspires; but we need to spread the word that the arts contribute to the economy, employ people and improve other areas of education. Here are some impressive facts from Texas Cultural Trust:

Economy
The arts sector…

Generates more than $5 billion for Texas’ economy.

Contributes more than $340 million a year in state sales tax revenue.

Employ one in every 15 workers in Texas, which is more than 800,000 innovation workers.

Are one of the fastest-growing segments of the U.S. economy.

Education
Students enrolled in arts classes…

Have 15% higher pass rates on standardized tests.

Are half as likely to drop out if they were at risk of doing so.

Attend an additional week of school each year.

Engagement

80% of Texas voters and 90% of parents support increased funding for the arts in schools.

Nearly half of arts participants engage in volunteer community work, compared to 20% of those who do not regularly participate in the arts.